In a significant development ahead of the planned Israel-Hamas ceasefire set to commence on Sunday morning, Israeli forces have reportedly begun withdrawing from parts of Rafah in southern Gaza, according to pro-Hamas media sources. The pullback to the Philadelphi corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border comes less than 90 minutes before the truce and hostage release deal is scheduled to take effect at 8:30 am local time (6:30 am GMT).
Netanyahu: Israel Reserves Right to Resume Fighting
Commenting on the ceasefire agreement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the temporary nature of the initial stage, asserting that Israel maintains the right to re-engage in hostilities if necessary. He stated:
If we must return to fighting, we will do that in new, forceful ways.
– Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister
Netanyahu further noted that both former U.S. President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden back Israel’s stance on potentially resuming combat operations if the deal’s second phase proves unproductive. The prime minister also underscored that Israel would not proceed with the ceasefire until it received a list of the 33 hostages kidnapped by Hamas in the agreement’s initial phase.
Hamas: Hostage Release Depends on Freed Palestinian Detainees
Meanwhile, Hamas indicated that the specifics of releasing Israeli hostages in Gaza would hinge on the quantity of Palestinian detainees Israel agrees to liberate. The militant group also claimed that Israel had “failed to achieve its aggressive goals” in the Gaza Strip.
Ceasefire Details: Three-Stage Truce and Prisoner Exchange
The ceasefire deal outlines a three-stage process, beginning with an initial six-week period during which Hamas will exchange hostages for Palestinians imprisoned across Israel. The truce’s subsequent phases remain undisclosed at this time.
Gaza Conflict Toll: Nearly 47,000 Palestinians Killed
Since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023, Israeli forces have killed at least 46,899 Palestinians and wounded 110,725, according to updated figures from the Gaza health ministry on Saturday. In the 24 hours preceding the ceasefire, 23 Palestinians lost their lives, and 83 sustained injuries.
Yemen’s Houthis Claim Attack on U.S. Carrier, Warn of Retaliation
Adding to regional tensions, Yemen’s Houthi rebels asserted responsibility for an attack on a U.S. aircraft carrier on Sunday, cautioning of repercussions for any retaliatory actions during the impending Gaza ceasefire. The Israeli military reported intercepting two missiles launched from Yemen on Saturday, activating air raid sirens in Jerusalem and portions of central and southern Israel prior to the interceptions.
As the Israel-Gaza ceasefire approaches, the international community anxiously awaits its implementation, hoping for a reduction in violence and a path towards resolving the protracted conflict. The prisoner exchange and phased truce present an opportunity for de-escalation, but the situation remains fragile, with both sides expressing reservations and the potential for renewed hostilities looming.
